ChildStrive began as a dream shared by a small group of parents who wanted a better future for their children with special needs. Every day, ChildStrive team members continue to grow that dream through dynamic, research-based programs that improve the lives of children and families in our community.

At ChildStrive, we believe that hiring staff that reflects our multi-ethnic and multi-racial clients increases resiliency, equity, and capacity in our community. We are committed to creating a welcoming workplace for all individuals and to offer opportunities for mentorship. We strongly encourage members of underrepresented groups, veterans, multi-lingual individuals to apply for our open positions.

We invite highly skilled, dedicated professionals to join our team of therapists, educators, nurses, counselors and administrative support. We have a current opportunity for an Infant Mental Health Specialist. 

The Infant Mental Health Specialist is committed to improving the outcomes for young children (0-3) at risk of removal to foster care, in a current Dependency, returning to parents, or moving toward adoption or guardianship. As such, the clinician must be able to maintain neutrality, holding the varied interests of multiple parties and maintaining equitable service in the face of substance abuse, homelessness, family conflict, trauma, and loss. Homeward House is a voluntary program, and parents self-select what they will focus on in order to stabilize their family. The role of the Infant Mental Health Specialist will be to advocate for the unique needs of young children of these clients. In particular, the clinician will support the caregiving that infants need to develop secure attachments.

· Master’s level mental health clinician in good standing, MSW preferred

· Use of a car

· Use of web-based platforms such as Zoom

· Ability to get up and down stairs, bend down to play with children on the floor, and twist to maintain direct observation of mobile children. 

· Pass a DCYF Background Clearance allowing you to work with small children. 

· Provide home or telehealth-based infant mental health supports to families of Homeward House, focusing on attunement, sensitive caregiving, and emotion regulation of the infant-caregiver dyad. Use strengths-based and proven practices to promote resilience in individuals and families.

· Collaborate with Homeward House staff to guide policy and inform long-range planning, document child outcomes in the database, and consult on matters related to child safety and development.

· Collaborate respectfully with DCYF, CASA/GAL, Parent Allies, Court representatives, DDD, Early Intervention therapists, home visitors, and hospital social workers to deepen the professional regard across systems, and be a positive ambassador for the mission and values of Homeward House and ChildStrive.

· Provide anticipatory guidance about typical developmental windows, particularly with regard to social/emotional development. Make referrals to Early Intervention when warranted, and provide support to caregivers in going through the Evaluation process.

· Document all of the above in a confidential case file, and maintain the privacy of all parties involved.

· Participate in ongoing reflective supervision through ChildStrive, approximately one hour per week. Attend weekly case consultation group.

The ideal candidate for this position is a person with deep commitment to racial equity, as well as lived experience of intersectionality, and the ways in which the systems privilege some groups over others. The candidate should have self-reflective ability, cultural humility, flexibility, and be open to utilizing restorative practices. The candidate should be comfortable working with substances use disorders and homelessness. 

In addition to our supportive workplace environment you’ll enjoy excellent benefits that may include:

· Competitive wages

· Matching 403(b) contributions

· Healthcare package

· Paid Time Off 

· Continuing education

· Professional Development

To be considered for this position respond with your cover letter and resume.

ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1963, ChildStrive is a growing non-profit agency serving children and families in Snohomish and north King Counties. We are pioneers and respected leaders in providing family centered parenting support and early intervention services to pregnant women and young children birth through 3 years old.

ChildStrive partners with families to support young children’s success in daily life and in the community.

 ChildStrive is an inclusive and affirming community where ALL children and families have the opportunity to thrive. Mission 

We serve our community through four programs:

Early Support for Infants and Toddlers serves families with children birth to three years of age who have a developmental delay or identified disability;

Nurse Family Partnershipserves first time pregnant women through pregnancy and until their child turns two years of age;

Parents as Teachersserves families who are pregnant or have a young child who are living with trauma or chronic hardships, including housing instability or poverty.

Community Outreach serves families with preschoolers who are homeless and living in shelters or who are isolated and lack support. The Outreach program also partners with the Tulalip Tribes and provides consultation services to childcare providers serving families in transitional housing.

ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program) is a high quality preschool and family development program for underserved families in partnership with Snohomish County and the State of Washington.

At ChildStrive our workplace is a direct reflection of our work with the families we serve. We ask our families about their hopes and dreams and we recognize that the hopes and dreams of our staff extend beyond their work life.

We build family capacity through strength based coaching, reflection, and information sharing. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, we systematically support our staff to reach their full potential. You’ll work alongside talented professionals and have built-in opportunities for continuing education, reflective supervision, pursuing your passions and sharing your knowledge. 

We collaborate with families and our community partners in meaningful, effective ways; relationships are at the core of our work.  You’ll find a trusted “home” on your transdisciplinary work team and experience the results of deep, authentic collaboration across the agency.

We continually adapt and improve to best meet our families’ needs, and maintain accountability in the process. Whether working with a challenging family, or improving agency wide effectiveness, you’ll roll up your sleeves to solve problems and have the freedom to implement solutions. Our “intent based leadership” philosophy means that every employee takes responsibility for ChildStrive’s success and how we accomplish our mission. 

ChildStrive participates in the E-Verify program and is an equal opportunity employer

EEOC/AA - All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or natural origin, creed, marital status, age, Vietnam era or other veterans’ status, or mental or physical handicap.